News

7, July 2025

Russia: minister sacked by President Putin found dead ⁰

Russia’s Investigative Committee says former Russian transport minister Roman Starovoit has been found dead, apparently with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He was dismissed earlier on Monday by President Vladimir Putin.

No reason for Starovoit’s dismissal was given and deputy transport minister Andrei Nikitin was announced as his replacement shortly after.

The Investigative Committee said it was working to establish the circumstances of the incident.

Starovoit was appointed minister of transport in May 2024.

Before that, Starovoit had served as governor of the Kursk region for almost six years, until May 2024.

The region was partly seized by Ukrainian troops in August 2024 in a surprise offensive. Moscow only recently managed to drive out the Ukrainian forces, although in late June Kyiv said it was still holding a small area of territory inside Russia.

Starovoit’s successor, Aleksey Smirnov, was only in post for a short while. He was arrested in April and was later accused of embezzling funds that had been allocated for the building of fortifications on the border with Ukraine.

According to Russian outlet Kommersant, Starovoit was about to be brought in as a defendant in the same case.

It is unclear when, exactly, Starovoit died.

The head of the State Duma Defence Committee, Andrei Kartapolov, told Russian outlet RTVI that his death occurred “quite a while ago”.

Earlier on Monday, before Starovoit’s death was announced, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was pressed by reporters on whether the dismissal meant Putin had lost trust in Starovoit over the events in Kursk.

“A loss of trust is mentioned if there is a loss of trust. Such wording was not used [in the Kremlin decree],” Peskov replied.

Source: BBC

7, July 2025

Adamawa: 4 dead after torrential rainfall hits Ngaoundere ⁰

At least four people have died following torrential rains in Cameroon’s mountainous region of Adamawa, an official said Saturday.

Several days of torrential downpours in the region’s chief town of Ngaoundere triggered a sudden surge in the water level downstream of a local lake, damaging infrastructure and leaving some residents trapped, according to Valeri Norbert Kuela, prefect of the Vina division of the region.

“People construct houses in swampy areas and when it rains, they are easily affected by floods. Unfortunately, this time we have lost lives. We are intensifying efforts to redress the situation,” Kuela said.

Cameroon’s meteorological center has issued a warning of “continuing turbulent weather,” predicting that heavy rains accompanied by strong winds will persist in most parts of the country.

Source: Xinhuanet

3, July 2025

Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead ⁰

According to Radio Nigeria, Nigerian goalkeeping legend, Peter Rufai, is dead. While the family is yet to issue an official statement, the news of his death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond, as tributes begin to pour in for the iconic goalkeeper who stood tall between the posts for the Super Eagles.

Rufai was a central figure in Nigeria’s golden football era. He was the first-choice goalkeeper during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups—USA ’94 and France ’98. Renowned for his leadership, reflexes, and charisma, Rufai earned over 60 caps for the national team and remains one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers.

Beyond his national team heroics, he had a successful club career across Europe, playing for clubs in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. After retirement, he remained active in football development and youth mentoring through his Staruf Academy in Lagos.

Nicknamed Dodomayana—a nod to his regal heritage as the son of a traditional ruler—Rufai was admired for his discipline, professionalism, and advocacy for education among aspiring athletes.

More details on funeral arrangements are expected from the family in due course.

Source: Sportsvillagesquare

3, July 2025

Archbishop Nkea says amid Amba conflict, situation improves for civilians—but torture continues ⁰

Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda, the president of Cameroon’s Episcopal conference has said that the situation for civilians amid the Anglophone Crisis “has improved significantly, at least in terms of daily life”—but “we still have many cases of kidnappings and ransom demands, torture continues, and the population still lives in fear.”

Vatican News, the news agency of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, reported that the conflict has displaced 800,000 over the past eight years, “making the area the scene of one of the most serious and ignored crises in the world.”

Cameroon, the Central African giant of 31 million is 58% Christian (28% Catholic), 22% Muslim, and 19% ethnic religionist. Pope Benedict made an apostolic journey there in 2009.

Source: Catholic Culture

2, July 2025

Motaze says Ministry of Finance cannot audit FECAFOOT’s accounts ⁰

Finance minister, Louis Paul Motaze, asserts that his department is not authorized to audit the accounts of the country’s football federation (FECAFOOT). This comes amidst allegations of misappropriation concerning FECAFOOT’s funds.

Briefed by various deputies on the financial situation of the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the surrounding suspicions of misappropriation, the Cameroonian Finance Minister, Louis Paul Motaze, clarified the extent of his department’s jurisdiction over this body.

According to the account of his hearing before the finance and budget committee in the context of defending the reinsurance bill, the Minister stated that “the department under my charge is not qualified to audit the accounts of FECAFOOT.”

However, Louis Paul Motaze did specify that an accounts officer from the ministry, assigned to FECAFOOT, provides specific oversight. “He updates information about the subsidies paid by the government,” said the minister.

Deputies were particularly questioning the absence of an official audit of the Federation’s accounts and the veracity of information circulating on social media, which suggested that funds received from the Cameroon-Russia friendly match might have been deposited into a personal account of Samuel Eto’o, President of FECAFOOT.

In response to these allegations, Louis Paul Motaze expressed caution. “I am wary of comments reported on social media,” he told lawmakers.

For several days, whistleblowers have been raising the issue of several hundred million FCFA transfers made into the FECAFOOT president’s personal account in the context of friendly matches against Russia, Mexico, and Azerbaijan.

In an official statement, FECAFOOT confirmed the authenticity of the bank documents that had leaked on social media. However, the body denied any misappropriation, explaining that Samuel Eto’o was acting on a mandate from the Executive Committee, which had authorized him to directly receive these funds.

Source: Business in Cameroon

1, July 2025

Birmingham: Madaline Oru brings Magnet Centre to a standstill on graduation day ⁰

The noble and glamorous members of the Manyu and Cameroonian community in the UK gathered in Birmingham on Saturday, 28th June 2025, to celebrate academic excellence and family love as Madaline Oru graduated from Birmingham City University with a BSc in Nursing. The beautifully decorated Magnet Centre was adorned with white and gold-themed décor and the more than 400 guests were treated to the finest entertainment, cuisine and music from Cameroon. DJ Napo blasted the music and animation to a striking blend of fun and affection. Chief Edward Oru, the celebrant’s husband and the President of MECA Birmingham, spoke of his joy for the huge attendance and memorable evening.

Renowned Manyu royal, Prince Orock Takang of Coventry who also moonlights as head of the Nchang Family group in the UK expressed appreciation for Mado’s dedication to full-time studies despite family commitments and four children. The Prince opined that, “Graduation from university marks not only the end of one chapter but also the beginning of another in the professional arena. When I look at Mado and Edward, I am tremendously proud of what they have achieved from dedication and honesty. I knew Edward from back home when he had nothing and I can honestly say he came to Britain determined to succeed and today, he and his wife are hosting us in such a lavish ceremony. I am extremely delighted for them.”

The celebration recorded heartfelt speeches, champagnes and unlimited bottles of beer, brandy, whisky and wine that reminded everyone of the generosity of the Oru household. The guests felt welcomed and appreciated and the party will linger in the memory of all who attended. MC, Yvonne Wadji wowed the event with her class, announcement skills, patience and personal touch. Yvonne said, “Even when Mado was a healthcare assistant where we worked before she went to university, she had a first-rate attitude. She would question the nurses or any superior. I admired her calmness and attitude at work and my advice to her is to continue with that in her new role as a nurse and the world will be her oyster. I can confidently say that Mado will excel in her new profession”.

It was certainly a befitting celebration as many took turns to applaud the celebrant’s husband for his sacrifice during his wife’s academic journey.

Dr Nelson Agbor, a Manyu academic and legal analyst, stated that “The academic journey that our sister has undertaken is astounding and commendable. As a community, we cannot overstate the importance of our children seeing their parents go through university. I understand the sacrifice my brother Oru has made over the last few years because we went through the same journey in our family.”

The evening was a statement of pride, community spirit and academic success despite challenges. Also speaking was Lady Marie Eyong, a family friend who observed that “Mado is like daughter to me. She is kind, intelligent, respectful and extremely jovial. Her doors are open to all and with such a kind heart, she and her husband will accomplish a lot and we love them dearly.”

The evening was also an opportunity for the couple’s daughter, Princess Helen Oru, to celebrate her 10th birthday. Once in a while, a party comes along that truly captures a person’s journey. This was one of them. Madaline Oru, you made your husband, friends, family and community proud. Cameroon Concord News says well done!

By Chi Prudence Asong

30, June 2025

Cameroon literature giant Nsanda Eba dies ⁰

Nsanda Eba who has died was a strong personality of Cameroonian literature – a storyteller who’s book The Good Foot painted Cameroon during colonialism.

His publications including essays spanned roughly five decades, primarily documenting the transformation of Cameroon – from a colonial subject to a ruthless dictatorship.

He will be remembered for his 1977 novel The Good Foot where he recounted with touching humanity the ordeals of a plantation laborer’s family as they reach for social advancement through back-breaking work, unrelenting hope, and an undying belief in the power of education, laying bare in the process the exploitative nature of plantation agriculture and its role in shaping population dynamics as well as xenophobia-tinged politics in modern-day Cameroonian towns like Mutengene and Tiko.

Mbamu, the novel’s teenage character, his childhood and his relationship with his father will continue to strike a human chord with thousands of Southern Cameroonians as it mirrored their own relationship with their dads.

By Miriam Metchane Ewang

29, June 2025

UK: MECA Leicester elects John Bawak as new president ⁰

A refined academic and astute businessman, Chief John Bawak, has emerged President of the Manyu Elements Cultural and Development Association (MECA) in Leicester.

Speaking after a successful election in the beautiful city of Leicester in the Midlands, United Kingdom on Saturday 28, 2025, President John Bawak assured that henceforth, MECA Leicester will be actively involved in Manyu development and cultural activities both at home and in Europe as part of efforts to ensuring Manyus reap the dividends of good leadership.

Speaking exclusively to Cameroon Concord News John Bawak said his electoral victory is a new dawn in MECA Leicester. He furthered that MECA Leicester will no longer ignore cultural and developmental issues in Manyu Division.

“MECA Leicester will be fully and actively involved starting from today,” Bawak assured.

Chief John Bawak maintained that his emergence as the new President for a two year tenure will see to the achievement of greater things for MECA Leicester, adding that, he would discharge his duty without fear or favour.

According to the new leader, “It is not going to be Manyu business as usual because I have the potential, and I am going to pilot the affairs of MECA Leicester with all I have in me.”

As a team player, Chief John Bawak promised to carry everyone in the governing body along to ensure that MECA Leicester achieve great success as the association forges ahead.

The new MECA Leicester executive has as its president John Bawak, Arrah Egbendip – vice president, Sylvia Ntamack – Secretary General, Jacky Enoru – Social Secretary, Anriette Tabe – Financial Secretary and the much respected Dibo Enaw as Treasurer.

Meanwhile, the outgoing president Chief Egbe Thompson (Uncle T) applauded the process that led to the emergence of John Bawak as the leader of the Manyu community in Leicester, admitting that Manyus have freely chosen who to lead them rightly.

Uncle T appealed that the new leader should be supported to bear the burden of the Manyu people. He also thanked candidate Cyril Taku Ayuk for a great challenge.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai on special assignment in Leicester

26, June 2025

Iran Supreme Leader congratulates nation on victory, says Israel was ‘crushed’ ⁰

In his message following the end of the Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic and the regime’s unilateral declaration of a ceasefire, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution on Thursday congratulated the Iranian nation on its glorious victory.

In a televised message, the third since June 13 when the Israeli regime launched its unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the Zionist regime was crushed under the blows of the Iranian armed forces.

“I feel it is necessary to extend several congratulations to the great Iranian nation. First, congratulations on the victory over the fake Zionist regime. Despite all its noise and claims, the Zionist regime was nearly brought to its knees and crushed under the blows of the Islamic Republic,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated.

The Leader paid tribute to the martyrs of the recent events, including senior military commanders and scientists, whom he described as “truly and rightfully valuable” to the Islamic Republic and faithful in their service until martyrdom.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the idea of the Islamic Republic being capable of delivering such devastating strikes had never even crossed the enemy’s mind, but it did happen.

“We thank God for aiding our armed forces, who managed to breach their advanced multilayered defense systems and flatten large parts of their military and urban centers with powerful missile and weapons strikes,” he said.

Source: Presstv

26, June 2025

Ekok: Customs seizes ecord 45 Kg of cannabis smuggled from Nigeria ⁰

Customs officers from Cameroon’s mobile brigade in Ekok, located in the country’s South-West region, have seized a record shipment of 45 kilograms of cannabis during a routine inspection on June 20, 2025. The information was shared by the Directorate General of Customs (DGD) under the Ministry of Finance in its latest newsletter. According to the DGD, this is the largest quantity of cannabis intercepted by customs since the start of 2025.

The DGD report states the illegal cargo was hidden inside bundles of slippers transported by a public bus from Nigeria. The owner of the shipment, a Nigerian national, was taken into custody. Authorities say the drugs were intended for distribution to several traffickers based in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital.

Cameroon and Nigeria share a long and porous border stretching about 1,500 kilometers from the northern to southern parts of Cameroon. This vast and poorly monitored border has fueled various forms of trafficking between the two countries.

To combat illicit activities that harm the national economy, Cameroon’s customs authorities have been implementing the “Halte au commerce illicite” (Halcomi) operation for several years. Under this initiative, the country has increased seizures of illegal and smuggled goods along its borders.

Source: Business in Cameroon